Display kiosk and method for making and deploying the same

ABSTRACT

The invention provides an apparatus for and method of making and using portable display kiosks. The invention is designed and fabricated to be highly collapsible for transport yet readily deployable for use. The invention is substantially preassembled in transport requiring only unfolding and the attachment of a backplate and counter top, none of which requires tools or any other ancillary items.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST

The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalty thereon.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to portable display kiosks and methods for making and using them.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The need for the present invention was motivated by a user's requirement for professional displays at technology trade fairs and the like on standard 2×8 folding plastic tables which were rented and covered with black table cloths. All of the technology to be displayed and demonstrated was setup on these tables. The tables were typically weak, not stable or sturdy on carpeting, and very expensive.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to an apparatus for and method of making and using portable display kiosks

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for and method of making and using portable display kiosks that are readily and compactly stowed for transport.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for and method of making and using portable display kiosks that are readily deployed for use in a minimum amount of time and without the use of tools or ancillary items.

It is yet still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for and method of making and using portable display kiosks that are substantially preassembled for use.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for and method of making and using portable display kiosks that require insubstantial disassembly for stowage and transport.

In a preferred or primary embodiment of the present invention, a front panel having a front side, a rear side, a first edge and a second edge; a rear panel having a front side, a rear side, a first edge and a second edge; a first bifolding having a front side, a rear side, a first edge, a second edge, and a bifold hinge; a second bifolding side panel having a front side, a rear side, a first edge, a second edge, and a bifold hinge; where the first edge of the front panel is hingedly joined to the first edge of the first bifolding panel; the first edge of the rear panel is hingedly joined to the second edge of the first bifolding panel; the second edge of the front panel is hingedly joined to the first edge of the second bifolding panel; and the second edge of the rear panel is hingedly joined to the second edge of the second bifolding panel.

Also in a preferred or primary embodiment of the present invention, a method for constructing, deploying, and stowing a display kiosk, comprises the steps of fabricating a front panel having a front side, a rear side, a first edge and a second edge; fabricating a rear panel having a front side, a rear side, a first edge and a second edge; fabricating a first bifolding side panel having a front side, a rear side, a first edge, a second edge, and disposing a hinge within the first bifolding panel along a line approximately equidistant from the first edge and the second edge of first bifolding panel; fabricating a second bifolding side panel having a front side, a rear side, a first edge, a second edge, and disposing a hinge within the second bifolding panel along a line approximately equidistant from the first edge and the second edge of the second bifolding panel; hingedly joining the first edge of the front panel to the first edge of the first bifolding panel; hingedly joining the first edge of the rear panel to the second edge of the first bifolding panel; hingedly joining the second edge of the front panel to the first edge of the second bifolding panel; and hingedly joining the second edge of the rear panel to the second edge of the second bifolding panel.

Briefly stated, the invention provides an apparatus for and method of making and using portable display kiosks. The invention is designed and fabricated to be highly collapsible for transport yet readily deployable for use. The invention is substantially preassembled in transport requiring only unfolding and the attachment of a backplate and counter top, none of which requires tools or any other ancillary items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a depiction of a primary embodiment of the present invention, a display kiosk.

FIG. 2 is a depiction of an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a display kiosk.

FIG. 3 is a depiction of a primary embodiment of the present invention, a display kiosk in a partially collapsed configuration, further depicting its salient features.

FIG. 4 is a depiction of a primary embodiment of the present invention, a display kiosk in a deployed or expanded configuration, further depicting its salient features.

FIG. 5 is a depiction of a primary embodiment of the present invention, a display kiosk in a fully collapsed configuration, further depicting its salient features.

FIG. 6 is a depiction of a primary embodiment of the present invention, a display kiosk in a fully collapsed configuration, further depicting its salient features.

FIG. 7 is a depiction of an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a display kiosk in a fully deployed or expanded configuration, further depicting its salient features.

FIG. 8 is a

FIG. 9 is a photographic depiction of the primary and alternate embodiments of the present invention deployed and in use at a trade show.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The purpose and goal of the present invention was to design a collapsible convention kiosk that is durable, resilient, clean and stylish, and that embodies the image and ingenuity of the user. The secondary goal was to reduce the rental expense at trade conventions where user sets up a trade show booth.

In the end, the effort to design and refine the collapsible kiosk concept led to a highly successful end result that was recently deployed at its first convention. The kiosks were met with rave reviews by both staff (who had to assemble them), as well as guests to the booth.

The dollars-and-cents perspective is quite telling. Each convention traditionally costs in excess of $4000 in both equipment rentals (tables, table cloths, etc.). The one-time expense to create this first batch of kiosks has already been paid off in the savings from just one convention. This was a huge hit with the user's organization.

Referring to FIG. 1, briefly stated, a first embodiment of the present invention, a kiosk, comprises three primary pieces. A main base 10 folds down to about 2″ thick, and an upright backplate 20 is a single rigid piece that cradles the base when packed for shipping. The backplate secures to the main base through insertion into a novel pressure plate on the rear of the main base. Once the backplate 20 is installed, the whole kiosk can be unfolded. The finished design is powder coated in a medium-grey finish, and may feature a gently arch at the top of the backplate. It is important to note that the invention, a kiosk, was originally fabricated from sheet metal, it is entirely within the scope of this invention to fabricate the kiosk with all of its features from any rigid or semi-rigid materials including but not limited to metals, wood, plastics, composites, glass, and fiberboard or in any combinations thereof. Lastly, a countertop 30, which may be a laminate or any aforementioned material the color of which may match the user's theme or logo, is placed atop the main base 10. The user's logo, if desired, may be engraved through the powder coat into the shiny metal underneath or applied in alternate means such as silkscreen applied or adhesively applied. Lighting such as from an LED or other source (not shown) may be attached beneath the front of the countertop 30, illuminating the face of the main base 10, as well as lighting being mounted to the rear of the countertop 30, uplighting the backplate 20.

Referring to FIG. 2 is an alternate embodiment of the invention, a collapsible kiosk is simply a tabletop. This embodiment having a main base 10 and a countertop 30 can be used as a desk, as a discussion station, or for various other purposes where a backplate (20, see FIG. 1) isn't necessary. The mechanics of setup are identical to the tall kiosk model, with the exception of the installation of a backplate (20, see FIG. 1).

Referring to FIG. 3 depicts features of the present invention, a top view, shown partially collapsed less countertop 30, in detail. The main base (see 10, FIG. 1 or 2) comprises a front panel 40 having a first edge (or corner) 50 and a second edge (or corner) 60. Likewise, the main base 10 comprises a rear panel 70 having a first edge (or corner) 80 and a second edge (or corner) 90. A first bifolding panel 100 connects between the front panel 40 the rear panel 70 at the first edge 50 of the front panel and the first edge 80 of the rear panel. Likewise a second bifolding panel 110 connects between the front panel 40 the rear panel 70 at the second edge 60 of the front panel and the second edge 90 of the rear panel 70. The connections between the first bifolding panel 100 and the front 40 and rear 70 panels is a hinging mechanism (not shown) located at the first 50 and second 80 edges. Likewise the connections between the second bifolding panel 110 and the front 40 and rear 70 panels is a hinging mechanism (not shown) located at the first 60 and second 90 edges. Bifolding panels 100 and 110 have a mechanism to permit their folding substantially about a longitudinal centerline which may typically comprise a hinge (not shown). An access door 120 may be placed into the front panel 40 as needed.

Referring to FIG. 4 depicts the invention fully expanded with countertop 30 removed. Expansion or “deployment” of the invention is facilitated by moving the front 40 and rear 70 panels on opposite directions so as to permit the bifolding panels 100, 110 to fully open flat. A stop mechanism (not shown) may be incorporated into the bifolding panels 100, 110 or elsewhere in the invention to prevent the bifolding panels 100, 110 from over rotating about their longitudinal centerline past the point necessary to fully deploy the invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 depicts the invention in a pre-deployed configuration, fully collapsed with backplate 20 detached. This configuration facilitates transport of the invention. Stops 140 prevent first bifolding panel 100 or second bifolding panel 110 from over rotating outward upon deployment of the main base 10.

Referring to FIG. 6 depicts a cleat 130 or other suitable affixation means to facilitate ready attachment and detachment of the backplate 20 from the rear of the rear panel 70, preferably without the use of tools.

Referring to FIG. 7 depicts the present invention configured for use with the countertop 30 in place but without the backplate 20 being attached.

Referring to FIG. 8 depicts the underside of the countertop 30 showing the stops 150 which, when the countertop 30 is positioned onto the main base 10, the stops 150 prevent any of the front panel 40, rear panel 70, first bifolding panel 100 or second bifolding panel 110 from collapsing inward when the main base 10 is deployed.

Referring to FIG. 9 is a photographic depiction of the primary and alternate embodiments of the present invention deployed and in use at a trade show.

Having described preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A display kiosk, comprising: a front panel, said front panel having a front side, a rear side, a first edge and a second edge; a rear panel, said rear panel having a front side, a rear side, a first edge and a second edge; a first bifolding side panel, said first bifolding side panel having a front side, a rear side, a first edge, a second edge, and a bifold hinge; a second bifolding side panel, said second bifolding side panel having a front side, a rear side, a first edge, a second edge, and a bifold hinge; wherein said first edge of said front panel is hingedly joined to said first edge of said first bifolding panel; said first edge of said rear panel is hingedly joined to said second edge of said first bifolding panel; said second edge of said front panel is hingedly joined to said first edge of said second bifolding panel; and said second edge of said rear panel is hingedly joined to said second edge of said second bifolding panel.
 2. The display kiosk of claim 1, wherein said front panel and said rear panel form opposing front and rear sides of a rectangular-shaped expanded display kiosk; and said first bifolding side panel and said second bifolding side panel form opposing lateral sides of a rectangular-shaped expanded display kiosk.
 3. The display kiosk of claim 1, wherein said front panel and said rear panel form opposing front and rear sides of a substantially planar-shaped collapsed display kiosk; and said first bifolding side panel and said second bifolding side panel form opposing collapsed sides of a substantially planar-shaped collapsed display kiosk.
 4. The display kiosk of claim 1, wherein said front panel further comprises a door hingedly joined to said front panel.
 5. The display kiosk of claim 1, further comprising a top surface detachably supported by a top edge of said front panel, a top edge of said first bifolding side panel and a top edge of said second bifolding side panel.
 6. The display kiosk of claim 1, further comprising a backplate detachably mounted to said rear panel.
 7. The display kiosk of claim 5, wherein said top surface further comprises stops on its underside which engage said top edge of said front panel, a top edge of said first bifolding side panel and a top edge of said second bifolding side panel so as to prevent collapse of said deployed kiosk.
 8. A display stand, comprising: four connected sides, said four connected sides being substantially rectangularly arranged; each side being hingedly connected to two other sides at the corners of said rectangular arrangement; each side of one pair of two opposing sides being hinged lengthwise approximately about its centerline; and stops located coincident with said centerline so as to prevent over rotation of said lengthwise hinges past a fully deployed position.
 9. The display stand of claim 8, wherein said substantially rectangularly-arranged sides further comprise a substantially planar arrangement of collapsed sides having said each side of one pair of two opposing sides being folded lengthwise approximately about its centerline.
 10. The display stand of claim 8, further comprising a door disposed within and hingedly attached to at least one of said four connected sides.
 11. The display stand of claim 8, further comprising top surface detachably supported by a top edge of said rectangularly-arranged sides, wherein said top surface further comprises underside stops that engage said top edges of said rectangularly-arranged sides so as to prevent inward collapse of said rectangularly-arranged sides.
 12. The display stand of claim 8, further comprising a backplate detachably mounted to one of said rectangularly-arranged sides.
 13. A method for constructing, deploying, and stowing a display kiosk, comprising the steps of: fabricating a front panel, said front panel having a front side, a rear side, a first edge and a second edge; fabricating a rear panel, said rear panel having a front side, a rear side, a first edge and a second edge; fabricating a first bifolding side panel, said first bifolding side panel having a front side, a rear side, a first edge, a second edge, and disposing a hinge within said first bifolding panel along a line approximately equidistant from said first edge and said second edge of said first bifolding panel; fabricating a second bifolding side panel, said second bifolding side panel having a front side, a rear side, a first edge, a second edge, and disposing a hinge within said second bifolding panel along a line approximately equidistant from said first edge and said second edge of said second bifolding panel; hingedly joining said first edge of said front panel to said first edge of said first bifolding panel; hingedly joining said first edge of said rear panel to said second edge of said first bifolding panel; hingedly joining said second edge of said front panel to said first edge of said second bifolding panel; and hingedly joining said second edge of said rear panel to said second edge of said second bifolding panel.
 14. The method of constructing, deploying, and stowing a display kiosk of claim 13, further comprising the steps of: folding outward said first bifolding side panel and said second bifolding side panel along said disposed hinges to form opposing lateral sides of a rectangular-shaped expanded display kiosk; and expanding said front panel and said rear panel to form opposing front and rear sides of a rectangular-shaped expanded display kiosk.
 15. The method of constructing, deploying, and stowing a display kiosk of claim 13, further comprising the steps of: folding inward said first bifolding side panel and said second bifolding side panel along said disposed hinges; and collapsing said front panel and said rear panel to form opposing front and rear sides of a substantially planar-shaped collapsed display kiosk. 